The Intown Ten, March 4 2012

I ran in my first 10K yesterday.  I was very happy with my time but the execution to get there wasn't what I had planned.  Since it was my first 10k, I don't have enough experience to rate a course but judging by the people who had to walk a couple of the hills (including me) I certainly don't think this was an easy race.  Of course, the fact that I ran the first 2 miles in 18:27 wouldn't have had anything to do with it.  My goal was to run 10 min/m and despite my pace being all over the place I met that goal.  Started too fast, couldn't climb the hills at the end, just a mess of an attempt but nevertheless I finished in 1:02:01.  I am supremely pleased with that number.

I thought the race was great.  Easy and early packet pickup, plenty of pre and post race food, and a cool t-shirt that my wife snagged right away.  The only issue was with the course. The route through Virginia-Highlands/Morningside was a scenic and pleasant environment, it just didn't lend itself to a crowd of runners in the street. I don't think the loop around John Howell Park was a good idea.  The tight corners and only running lane seemed to keep the crowd bunched together for longer than my previous 5k races.  The crowd had a natural slowing around the corners and that made it hard to try to get a good pace and rhythm.  The hills were tougher than I thought they would be and I don't think I actually was prepared as well as I could have been.  I only ran one long run for 7 miles in the weeks before the race.  Next time I will do 8 miles and back down the weeks before the race.  Overall though I was pleased with myself.  Pace will be important in the next race which will be in April and is a 15k.

RACING RESULTS
Date:	04/Mar/12 8:00 AM
Type:	Race
Course:	The Intown 10
Distance:	10 kilometers
Duration:	1:02:01
Pace:	9:59 / mile
Equipment:	Mizuno Wave Rider 14 (Mizuno1)
Weight:	208.6 lb
Field Placement:	420 / 657 (63.9%)
Age group:	40 – 44
Group Placement:	32 / 45 (71.1%)
Gender Placement:	217 / 274 (79.2%)
Weather:	40° F, Sunny
Notes:	Intown 10k in Virginia Highlands
Statistics:	Calories: 980 VO2 Max: 31.0